Ashland City resident Debbie Fitzhugh recently shared a joyful shout out to the congregation at Ashland City United Methodist Church.

The 57-year-old was excited about the gold medal around her neck that she’d won in mid-July at the nationals competition for the Senior Olympics, which were held in Minneapolis, Minn.

Fitzhugh won as a member of the Hot Sets, a 55-59 age group for women’s volleyball.

“I have a silver medal from the Senior Olympics that were held in Houston a few years ago, competing in the 50 to 54 age group,” Fitzhugh said. “I got involved in the Tennessee Senior Olympics when I turned 50. Our team was formed in Nashville by word of mouth.”

Her team's bid for the recent gold medal was settled by a 15-13 third set.

Fitzhugh, who works as a salon stylist at The Look in Nashville, also enjoys walking, bike riding and kayaking on the Harpeth River and Sycamore Creek.

“I play to de-stress,” she said. “Five years ago I had cancer, and I had knee surgery in January. Once a week, I practice (volleyball). I play with my husband, Bob, in a league. I also play on Sundays to keep up my skills. Even when I’m not feeling well, it’s good to get out.”

She played sports growing up in Indiana, but she has an even greater appreciation for volleyball and fitness in general.

“It’s exciting because at age 50 you can do something and even can excel, feel younger, and that’s important to me and my family that I can still do it,” she said.

She puts age in perspective in terms of strategy and goals for playing sports.

“I like the competitiveness, camaraderie and the support you get and give each other on and off court,” said Fitzhugh, noting that she’s been playing volleyball with some people for 30 years.

But there’s been a key shift in her approach to the game as she’s become more seasoned.

“We might be slower in our age, but we know where to put the ball and how to place it,” she said. “I’m always thinking about the ball and making it good. I like to hit, but when you’re young, you’re more aggressive, unfocused, almost out of control. Now I approach the ball better and get it to the center and know where I need to be on the court. And, I really like being part of a team.”

As for her Senior Olympics experience, the off-court volleys can be just as gratifying.

“You learn the stories of others, and they’re amazing, humbling and encouraging,” she said. “There was a 90-year-old man who had five medals in track. I talked to him. It was incredible just to keep competing at that age.”

The Senior Olympics are held every two years.

Fitzhugh grew up in Indiana and in British Columbia in Canada.

Her mother is Native American and Fitzhugh works with the Native American ministry in the United Methodist Church.

Fitzhugh and her husband, Bob, moved to Ashland City from Nashville 24 years ago.